The High-Level FGM Advocacy Convention in Hargeisa was indeed a pivotal moment in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Somaliland. This event gathered both regional and international stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, share valuable insights, and forge partnerships aimed at promoting a comprehensive anti-FGM policy. The collaborative efforts were highlighted the urgency of addressing this critical issue, by fostering a united front to protect the rights and health of women and girls in the Somaliland. This is by focusing on strategic dialogues, and the convention aimed to not only raise awareness but also facilitate the practical implementation of policies that can lead to lasting change.
FGM is indeed a significant human rights violation and a form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the alarming statistic that 98% of women and girls in Somaliland have experienced this practice, according to a 2020 survey by the Somaliland’s Ministry of Health Development and UNICEF. This convention was effectively addressed the intricate cultural and religious factors that perpetuate for FGM, with emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive strategies to promote in enduring change. By recognizing the deep-rooted beliefs surrounding FGM. Stakeholders were better engaged in communities, fostering dialogue and understanding that pave the way for a shift in perceptions and practices. This approach was crucial for ensuring that interventions are respectful and effective, which ultimately leading to the protection of women’s and girls’ rights.
A central element of the convention’s approach was the strategic use of mass media and social media to amplify its messages. Female media professionals were played a key role in educating the public and advocating for the anti-FGM policy, with ensuring accurate information and encouraging a positive behavioral shift at the grassroots level. The involvement of celebrities and social media influencers was further strengthened this effort, with public service announcements and impactful video content designed to raise awareness and mobilize public support. The convention was featured high-profile participation for a delegation from Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, and beyond, including ministers, researchers, human rights activists, and religious leaders.
For the event the Director General of the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Family Mr. Ahmed Hassan Aw-Adam has welcomed to the participants for the event with saying “This event is the first high-level convention which has been celebrated in Horn of Africa which Somaliland especially the Ministry of Social Affairs and Family has organized. The key objective of the event is to share the consolidate efforts and mobilize support to end FGM in Somaliland by advancing effective public policies and fostering a societal shift towards FGM abandonment”
After welcoming speech of the DG; A number of guests has shared their speeches towards the FGM advocacy convention such like, Hon. Senator Hamida Ali Kibwana which she has shared a valuable insight from Kenya’s progress in ending FGM, with emphasizing the importance of including men in the fight. Kenya’s approach involved campaigns targeting men through education and dialogues. And she highlighted also, the fight against FGM is not just about challenging cultural norms but also about protecting the dignity and rights of women. Also, Hon. Fatima Ali Jeexow has said that she is very excited in Somaliland for beginning the journey that Kenya has taken to end FGM, and very thankful for having strong leaders like Edna-Aden to end FGM, she emphasizes the need for implementing and enforcing laws. And with a commitment to legal protections, Somaliland can achieve similar success to Kenya. She noted that Kenya’s constitution, which encouraged women’s participation, allowed her to become a member of the Kenyan Parliament with representing the Somali community. She concluded by urging Somalilanders to unite and end FGM through law enforcement.
In addition to that, Dr- Edna Adam Ismail has highlighted during her speech for the event; that FGM has considered as cultural era in Africa. She was honored that Djibouti was a country who abandoned in 1995, and in 1996 it was first time that women spoke in here Somaliland in Hargeisa clap. It was 24 years ago when they have started to talk about it and still little girls in Somaliland are manipulating. She said that Somaliland can’t be a responsible government if they allow that 50% of the women in Somaliland are manipulating. Similarly, over 230 million girls in the world are circumcised. And behind this statistics, high number of women and girls who live with severe injuries, and some have lost their lives due to this damage. As Oxform’s Country Director, Mrs. Juliet said.
Furthermore, First Deputy Speaker on House of Representatives Mr. Said Mire Girre has shared for the participants in Article 36 of the Somaliland Constitution which emphasizes the need for the government to promote and enact laws that protect women’s rights. He said that, when the FGM policy, which is currently with MESAF, is presented to the House of Parliament, the MPs will approve on it, with recognizing the severe impact of FGM on women. Additionally, MPs will establish a committee, led by the only female parliamentarian, to accelerate advocacy for women’s rights.
During the convention, highly valuable and insightful presentations and studies were shared, including one from NAFIS Network. Mrs. Khadra Omar Hassan, the chairperson, presented on how advocacy efforts are shaping the anti-FGM policy in Somaliland. Her presentation detailed the shift in community beliefs, driven by both national and grassroots movements, and highlighted the pivotal role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in mobilizing support and influencing decision-makers. She also emphasized that, over the years, CSOs have undertaken significant efforts, including awareness-raising programs, coordination meetings with various sectors of the community—such as religious and traditional leaders, government institutions, and youth—and more. These efforts have led to the drafting of policies and laws aimed at abandoning FGM, with the ultimate goal of protecting young girls in Somaliland. The session also covered the implications of drafting the anti-FGM policy, including its impact on societal norms and the strategic engagement necessary to ensure effective legislation and policy implementation.
Sadia Alin, the Country Director of Plan Somaliland has encouraged the stakeholders to prioritize anti-FGM policy implementation and allocate the necessary resources for their successful implementation. Correspondingly, Dr. Osman-Researcher in Somaliland and Dr. Elyas Abdulahi- Researcher in Ethiopia has shared two papers which is about FGM Cross Border studies who are made both in Somaliland and Ethiopia side which was a period for learning and decision-making purpose to legislate against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Somaliland.
Likewise, a panel discussion was delved into the FGM criminalization processes across Kenya, Djibouti, Somaliland and Ethiopia. Both Government representatives and MPs were shared their experiences, with highlighting the challenges and successes in each country. This comparative discussion was provided a comprehensive understanding of regional efforts against FGM, followed by an open session where participants has asked in-depth questions about the legislation and its implementation in these nations. Panelists was 1) Sheikh. Abdirahman Ali -Djibouti Fatwa Chairperson, 2) Hon. MP-Umulkheir Kassim- Member of Parliament Kenyan Parliament, and 3) Mr. Ahmed Hassan Director General of MESAF and Hon. 4) Ubah Abdirahman-Deputy Minister of Gender and Child Development of Somali Region of Ethiopia.
After the panel discussion, Mr. Nicholas Songok, Deputy Director of Policy and Planning at Kenya’s Anti-FGM Board, presented on the operational strategies of the board and the roles of various Kenyan institutions in the mission to end FGM. This session included an insightful experience-sharing segment, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Kenya’s comprehensive approach to combating FGM.
A significant milestone was reached when Minister Ali Omer Mohamed, from the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs, and Family, publicly signed as ministerial level Somaliland’s first-ever anti-FGM policy. The participants, including government officials, activists, civil society, and community leaders, came together at the FGM/C Abandonment Conference to accelerate the process and sign a communique legislating against Female Genital Mutilation in Somaliland. This marks a holistic first step toward protecting young girls and ending FGM. The day concluded with a lively networking session, where participants had the opportunity to build connections and celebrate the success of this groundbreaking convention.